ES2287340T3 - OPEN FABRICS NOT OPEN AND METHODS FOR PREPARATION. - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article with one side facing the body, the absorbent article comprising: a backsheet opposite the side facing the body; an absorbent core between the backsheet and the side facing the body; a composite top sheet between the absorbent core and the side facing the body, said composite top sheet further comprising: (i) a support layer comprising a three-dimensional elastic formed film between the absorbent core and the side facing the body, having said film formed a male side, a female side and small-scale openings having a mesh count, and a first nonwoven web of fibers between the formed film and the body-oriented side of the absorbent article; said first nonwoven web having a plurality of three-dimensional conical shaped openings therein extending through the formed film, said openings having a thinning count that is smaller than the mesh count of the small-scale openings in the film formed; or (ii) a support layer comprising a second nonwoven web of fibers between the absorbent core and the side facing the body and the first nonwoven web of fibers between the second nonwoven web and the side facing the body; the first nonwoven web comprising fibers having a lower average radius than the fibers of said second nonwoven web, said first nonwoven web having a plurality of three-dimensional conical shaped openings therein extending through the second nonwoven web woven

Description

Open nonwoven compounds and methods for their preparation.

Background of the invention Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates to compounds not fabrics and in particular non-woven compounds used in articles absorbents

Description of the related technique

There are many known upper sheets formed for nonwoven materials or formed films that have been designed to handle viscous exudates such as deposition of children Newborns or viscous menstrual fluids. These materials of top sheet specifically have large openings and those nonwoven products have a fabric-like texture while The film products have a flat sticky surface. Be knows that movies formed typically have better absorbency rates and anti properties re-wetting, although nonwovens tend to Be softer and softer for the skin.

Attempts to use top sheets with large openings have found limited success due to the nature of the big holes. In the case of nonwovens, large holes were two-dimensional because soft fibers used were not elastic enough to support the structure three-dimensional In the case of films formed, the material that it was three-dimensional and elastic enough to keep this shape, it was too stiff and not soft for the skin of the Username.

It is known that newborn children, especially those who feed on breast milk, have more fluid bowel movements and explosive bowel movements due to excess gas in their sensitive systems. The combination of a fluid deposition and explosive bowel movements Presents a technical problem for top sheet materials known. The top sheet must have acquisition speeds exceptionally high to capture movement deposition fast as it travels through the diaper. Additionally, the top sheet must have good anti properties re-wetting to maintain deposition fluid in the absorbent core after point additions repeated

Nonwovens and films have been designed to satisfy one or the other of these design criteria, although the parents already know that it is possible that these bowel movements Newborn explosives escape from all diapers acquaintances and therefore stain the baby's clothes, the clothes of the Parents and bedding.

A similar performance criterion would be also advantageous in feminine hygiene products.

The document GB-A-2,272,917 refers to a top sheet for use in a fluid absorption article body comprising a top sheet that has an area of skin contact and a passage for liquid and a bottom sheet which reinforces the top sheet and defines cavities inside. The bottom sheet is attached to the top sheet around lower openings of the respective liquid passages for restrict the deformation of these passages than otherwise It would be possible to happen. The bottom sheet is fiber blown in the molten state and the top sheet can comprise two layers of blown fibers in molten state or can be film thermoplastic

The document EP-A-749,738 refers to articles absorbents, in particular sanitary pads, which have sheets laminated tops In particular, a first layer that receives the liquids to be absorbed contain openings of at least 1.4 mm2 of area in a film within the longitudinal center of the film. A second layer of the film provides liquid transfer to an absorbent structure that has openings of less than 1.4 mm2 area. Additionally, the second layer provides visual masking of absorbent liquids in the area of the large openings of the first layer of the top sheet.

The document EP-A-167,807 refers to a device for absorbing body fluids comprising a open top sheet that is generally fluid permeable and which is provided with thick foramin at least in the subject area normally to impact by said body fluids and a layer elastic reinforcing said open top sheet at least in the area of said thick foramina.

It would be advantageous to have a top sheet with an exceptional absorbency rate while maintaining anti-rewetting properties acceptable

Summary of the invention

An absorbent article has an oriented side towards the body that is located against the user's body. He absorbent article is made of at least one backsheet, a absorbent core and a composite top sheet. The blade Rear is opposite the side facing the body. The nucleus absorbent is between the backsheet and the side facing the body. The composite top sheet is between the core absorbent and the side facing the body. Top sheet composite includes a three-dimensional open formed film elastic, a non-woven band and large-scale openings. The movie formed is between the absorbent core and the side facing the body. The film formed has a male side and a female side opposite the male side, and small-scale openings with a count mesh The non-woven fiber web is between the film formed and the side facing the body. Large openings scale extend through the non-woven band and the film formed. Large-scale openings have a mesh count that is smaller than the mesh count of the openings to small scale.

The formed film can be placed with its side male facing the side facing the body of the absorbent article or with its female side facing side oriented towards the body of the absorbent article.

The formed film can be replaced with a non-woven layer more consistent with fibers of greater average radius than The non-woven band.

A preferred embodiment of the topsheet compound is formed with an apparatus that uses heated spikes and shaped holes.

An advantage of this invention is that large-scale openings trap fast-moving fluids and They direct them to the absorbent core. Additionally, the openings to Small scale allow fluid between large-scale openings pass towards the absorbent core, while the gap between the formed film and non-woven layer helps direct fluids towards large-scale openings. All these features They contribute to an excellent absorbency rate. To the same time, the shape of large-scale openings, the film formed between large-scale openings and the hollow volume between Composite top sheet and absorbent core help prevent the re-wetting.

Additionally, the hollow volume between the sheet Composite upper and absorbent core contributes both to the absorbency rate as to avoid the rewetting In this invention, the absorbency rates are significantly reduced, while rewet rates are improved substantially or at least moderately compared to the technique known. In particular, the elastic nature of the openings to large scale, supported by elastic film or coarse layer not woven, allows the three-dimensional aperture on a larger scale maintain its shape during processing, storage and use of so that the hollow volume is maintained.

These advantages are also applicable to the field of feminine hygiene, as shown below in the data of test.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view. of a first embodiment of the absorbent article of the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view. of a second embodiment of the absorbent article of the invention.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view. of a third embodiment of the absorbent article of the invention.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view. of the method for manufacturing a composite top sheet.

Detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention Definitions

As used in this document, the term "substantially" means that a given property or parameter may vary by approximately 20% with respect to the value indicated.

As used herein, the expression "absorbent article" refers to articles that absorb and They contain body exudates. More specifically, the term is refers to items that are placed against or in the vicinity of the a user's body to absorb and contain various exudates downloaded from the body. For example "article absorbent ", as used herein, includes diapers, incontinence items, sanitary napkins, salvaslips, bandages and other items used to absorb exudates bodily

The term "diaper" refers to a garment typically worn by children and people with incontinence that is placed between the legs and tied around the wearer's waist. Examples of prior art diapers include the diapers described in U.S. Patent Re No. 26,152 issued to Duncan, et al on January 31, 1967, U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 issued to Buell on January 14 from 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,610,678 issued to Weisman, et al . on September 9, 1986; U.S. Patent No. 4,673,402 issued to Weisman, et al . on June 16, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 4,695,278 issued to Lawson on September 22, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 4,704,115 issued to Buell on November 3, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 4,834,735 issued to Alemany et al . on May 30, 1989; US Patent No. 4,888,231 issued to Angstadt on December 19, 1989; and United States Patent No. 4,909,803 issued to Aziz, et al . on March 20, 1990.

The term "incontinence article" refers to tampons, undergarments, for example, tampons held in place by a suspension system such as a belt or other device, inserts for absorbent articles, auxiliary capacity generator for absorbent articles , underpants, soaps and similar devices, which adults or other people with incontinence can carry. Examples of incontinence articles include those described in US Patent No. 4,253,461 issued to Strickland, et al . on March 3, 1981, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,597,760 and 4,597,761 issued to Buell; United States Patents mentioned above No. 4,704,115; 4,909,802 issued to Ahr, et al ., U.S. Patent No. 4,964,880 issued to Gipson, et al . on October 23, 1990 and in US Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 637,090 and 07 / 637,571 filed respectively by Noel, et al . and Feist, et al . on January 3, 1991.

The term "salvaslip" refers to absorbent items that are less bulky than compresses hygienic that women usually carry between their periods menstrual Examples of salvaslip are described in the Patent of United States No. 4,738,676 entitled "Pantiliner" issued to Osborn on April 19, 1988.

The term "sanitary napkin" refers to an article carried by a woman adjacent to the pudendal area that aims to absorb and contain various exudates that are discharged from the body, for example, blood, menstrual fluids and urine. Examples of sanitary napkins are described in US Patent No. 4,285,343, issued to McNair on August 25, 1981; US Patents No. 4,589,876 and 4,687,478, issued to Van Tilburg on May 20, 1986 and August 18, 1987, respectively; US Patent Nos. 4,917,697 and 5,007,906 issued to Osborn, et al on April 17, 1990 and April 16, 1991, respectively; and U.S. Patents No. 4,950,264, and 5,009,653 issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990 and April 23, 1991, respectively; and in US Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 605,583 filed on October 29, 1980 on behalf of Visscher, et al .

Throughout this description, the expressions "top sheet" and "back sheet" denote the relationship of these materials or layers with respect to the absorbent core. Be understand that additional layers may be present between the absorbent core and the topsheet and the backsheet and that the Additional layers and other materials may be present in the opposite side of the absorbent core from the top sheet to the backsheet

As used herein, the expression "film formed" refers to a film formed elastic three-dimensional structure similar to that produced by vacuum forming processes, as described in the Patent No. 4,456,570 to Thomas or the United States Patent United Nº 3,929,135 of Thompson, among others.

As used herein, the expression "non-woven band" refers to a band that has a structure of individual fibers or strands that are interwoven but not in a regular, repetitive way. The non-woven bands are they have formed, in the past, by various processes such as by example melt blowing processes, spinning process and linked band processes.

As used herein, the expression "melt blown fibers" refers to fibers formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of fine capillary dies, usually circular in the form of strands or molten filaments towards a gas stream at high speed (e.g. air) that attenuates the filaments of molten thermoplastic material to reduce its diameter, which can Be a microfiber diameter. Subsequently, the blown fibers in molten state they are carried by the gas stream at high speed and are deposited on a collection surface for form a band of dispersed molten blown fibers randomly

As used in this document, the term "stabilized" refers to a material of the present invention that can be stored in a stable state of any usual or conventional band storage way without need to heat additionally or help or bond with others bands to stabilize the material. These means of storage would include, for example, low voltage rollers or Scalloped material in boxes.

As used herein, the expression "molten-stabilized" refers to parts of the nonwoven band that have undergone localized heating and / or localized pressure to substantially consolidate the fibers of the nonwoven web in the form of a stabilized film.

As used in this document, the term "pressure bonding" refers to a process in which a band it is placed between two elements that exert pressure on the band to join the various components of the band in the area in which The pressure is being exerted.

As used herein, the expression "spun fibers" refers to small diameter fibers that are  formed by extruding a thermoplastic material in the form of filaments from a plurality of fine capillaries, usually circular, of a nozzle for spinning with the diameter of the extruded filaments, then shrinking rapidly, by for example, by eductive stretching or other spinning mechanisms well known.

The expression "finished absorbent article" is used in this document to refer in general to any absorbent article to which all layers of material and other features that you want the item to have that affect the performance characteristics of the products well known in the art, such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and slips for adult incontinence.

The term "punctual addition" is used in this document to refer to the act of applying an amount finite liquid to the top sheet of an absorbent article finish. A punctual addition may occur during the use of the product and during the test of the finished product. In consecuense "multiple point additions" occur when they are made punctual additions to the same absorbent article finished more than one time. Multiple point additions may occur during the use of the product and during the testing of the finished product.

As used in this document, "no consolidated "means that the fibers have some freedom to movement and are not fixed in a position with respect to other fibers in the band. In other words, the fibers they are generally not compacted together or cast in the degree in that an opening cannot be closed, instead, the opening may be blocked by some strands of fiber that they extend through it, and partially obstruct it.

As used in this document, "consolidated" means that the fibers are generally compacted, cast, or joined, to restrict the movement of the fibers individually. Consolidated fibers generally do not they extend out towards an absorbent and will probably be more Dense than unbound fibers.

As used in this document, "count of mesh "means the number of holes per cm2. So Therefore, a material with a larger mesh will have more holes, while a smaller mesh will have fewer holes.

As used herein, the expression "point of attachment" means joining one or more tissues in a plurality of discrete points. For example, the point junction thermal generally involves passing one or more layers together between heated rollers, for example, a roller with pattern Engraving and a soft calender roller. Engraving roller It has a design so that somehow not all the fabric joins Its surface and the calender roller is normally smooth. How result, various patterns can be developed for rollers of Engraved for functional and aesthetic reasons.

As used in this document "gsm" is a Abbreviation for grams per square meter.

As used in this document, "re-wetting" is a measure of fluid that returns to the surface of an absorbent article as defined in the EDANA 150.1 test method.

Test methods

Absorbance speed data is measured using the EDANA 150.3 test method. The data from re-wetting are measured using the method of EDANA 150.1 test.

Absorbent Article Embodiments

Referring to Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3, the absorbent article 10 has a side oriented towards the body 12. During use, the absorbent article 10 is placed typically so that the side facing the body 12 is oriented towards the body of the user and the opposite side of the article absorbent is exposed, as in a bandage, or oriented towards the User clothing, such as in a diaper or hygiene product Feminine The backsheet 14 is opposite the side facing the body 12 and will typically be a fluid resistant layer or fluid impermeable to prevent fluids from leaking from absorbent article 10. The absorbent core 16 will be between the backsheet 14 and the side facing body 12 for absorb fluids The composite top sheet 20 will be between the absorbent core 16 and the body-oriented side 12. The composite top sheet 20 is designed to promote the flow of fluid from the side facing the body 12 towards the core absorbent 16 while also preventing fluid flow from the absorbent core towards the side facing the body 12, as discussed in the background and in the next section of test.

In Figure 1 and Figure 2, the top sheet composite 20 has an elastic formed three-dimensional film 22 with a male side 24 and a female side 26. The small openings scale 28 in the formed film 22 have a mesh count of between about 20 / cm2 and 200 / cm2. Plus preferably the mesh count of the openings to small Scale is between about 50 / cm2 and 100 / cm2. Plus preferably even the mesh count of the openings to small Scale is about 90 / cm2. The film formed 22 It is preferably made of a thermoplastic material to help to the formation. More preferably, the formed film 22 is Made of polypropylene, polyethylene or some other polyolefin.

The elastic three-dimensional form of the film formed 22 creates a hollow volume on both male side and female side of the film formed 22. It is advantageous in this invention to maintain this hollow volume and not allow the absorbent core 16 or the fibers of the nonwoven web 30 fill the hollow volume. The volume hollow allows efficient fluid transfer over and over under the film formed. Therefore, a lightweight fabric between the absorbent core and the top sheet compound 20 to help keep the volume hollow in the sheet composite top.

A nonwoven band 30 joins the film formed 22 between the formed film 22 and on the oriented side towards the body 12. The nonwoven web 30 is composed preferably by fibers of polymeric material, although they can other fibers used In particular, polypropylene and polyethylene, alone or in bicomponent mixtures and other mixtures, they are effective.

A plurality of large-scale openings 32 are extends through the nonwoven web 30 and the film formed 22. Large-scale openings 32 have a mesh that is smaller than the mesh of small-scale openings 28. The mesh count of the large-scale openings 22 will preferably be between 2 / cm2 and 50 / cm2, more preferably between 3 / cm2 and 30 / cm2, and more preferably even between 6 / cm2 and 11 / cm2. Therefore, small-scale openings will be more numerous in a given area that large-scale openings 32.

In the preferred embodiments shown in the Figure 1 and Figure 2, large-scale openings generally they are conical, they have a larger opening 34 and one more opening small 36. In particular, the largest opening 34 is between the side facing body 12 and the smallest opening 36. In a more preferred embodiment, there are substantially no fibers consolidated 28 near the largest opening and fibers substantially consolidated 40 near the opening plus little.

In the preferred embodiments shown in the Figures 1 and 2, substantially consolidated fibers 40 and the formed film 22 merge to form a point bond between the nonwoven band 30 and the film formed 22 in a plurality of large-scale openings 32.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the Figure 1, the male side 24 of the formed film 22 is oriented towards the nonwoven web 30. In contrast, Figure 2 shows a embodiment in which the female side 26 of the formed film 22 it is oriented towards the nonwoven web 30.

In a preferred embodiment, the side of the formed film 22 that is oriented towards the nonwoven web 30, the male side 24 in Figure 1 or the female side in Figure 2, is it deals with a surfactant, and therefore, is more hydrophilic. The Typical surfactants include non-ionic and based surfactants silicone, although others may be used.

In Figure 3, the composite top sheet 20 includes a more consistent non-woven layer 42 instead of the film formed 22. The most consistent non-woven layer 42 has a relatively rough texture compared to nonwoven web 30, and It is formed of fibers with an average diameter greater than the fibers of the nonwoven web 30.

The most consistent nonwoven layer 42 is formed by materials similar to those used in the non-layer woven 30. The most consistent nonwoven layer 42 may be a band separate nonwoven bonded with nonwoven web 30 in a manner similar to the film formed 22, or it can be a fiber layer with the nonwoven web 30. The previous analysis regarding the formation of large-scale openings 32 is applied to the top sheet compound 20 of Figure 3, with the most consistent non-woven layer 42 replacing the film formed 22.

Method for Preparing Composite Nonwoven Film

A film formed 22 is manufactured so that have an elastic three-dimensional structure. The film is manufactured  preferably by a vacuum forming process, in the that a layer of thermoplastic material is supplied from a die cast from a shaped sieve that uses pressure to vacuum to form the thermoplastic material with the shape of the sieve. Other methods to form three-dimensional shaped films Elastic can include overheating processes.

A nonwoven web 30 is manufactured from polymeric fibers In a preferred embodiment, the band does not woven joins the air, is thermolaced by carding, interlaced by spinning, or blowing by melt spinning. In a preferred embodiment the fibers are mono-component or bi-component. In a preferred embodiment, the material is polypropylene or polyethylene, although it can be added polyester.

The formed film 22 and the nonwoven web 30 join together before forming large-scale openings 32. In a preferred embodiment, the formed film 22 and the nonwoven web 30 line up adjacent to each other. In another preferred embodiment, the formed film 22 is adhesively secured to the band not woven 30 before the formation of large-scale openings 32. The importance of the union of the non-woven band 30 with the film formed 22 is that large-scale openings 32 penetrate both in the nonwoven web 30 as in the formed film 22.

Figure 4 shows a preferred mechanism for form large-scale openings 32. A perforating roller 50 and a counter roll 52 rotates in opposite directions to form a pinch through which the nonwoven band 30 and the film formed 22 are supplied. The barbs 54 protrude from the surface of the drilling roller 50. The holes 56 form a recess in the counter roller 52. Drilling roller 50 and counter roller 52 are aligned so that the spikes 54 fit with the holes 56. In a more preferred embodiment, the piercing roller 50 and the Counter roll 52 are made of rigid material and mounted on a Adjustable chassis to allow distance modification between the rollers In particular, the drilling roller 50 is preferably manufactured of metallic material and the barbs 54 are preferably manufactured from a metallic material. The barbs 54 preferably they have a pointed and tapered end from approximately half of its length towards the end pointed. In a preferred embodiment, the spikes 54 are heated, as discussed in more detail below.

The holes 56 are preferably larger than the barbs 54 and are shaped. In a preferred embodiment, the hole shape 56 is partially replicated by the large-scale openings 32. In a preferred embodiment, the holes 54 are generally tapered so that when the spikes 54 push the material towards the holes 56, the material near the tips of the spikes 54 are compressed more than any other material and experience more heat transfer if the barbs 54 They are heated. This preferred combination of heated spikes narrow 54 and generally tapered holes 56 produces a 32 large-scale aperture preferred having fibers generally consolidated 40 near a smaller opening 36 and fibers generally unbound 38 near a larger opening 3. 4.

In a less preferred embodiment, the counter roll 52 can be made of a flexible material, making  in this way the holes 56 are unnecessary. In bliss embodiment the barbs 54 simply protrude towards the material flexible roll 52.

The spikes 54 can be heated by various reasons. One reason to heat the spikes 54 is to form appropriately large-scale openings 32. Heated spikes 54 can also be heated to a temperature sufficient to bind the nonwoven web 30 to the film formed 22. Additionally, the heated spikes 54 can help create fibers substantially consolidated near the smallest openings 36. The spikes can also be heated to provide structural elasticity to large-scale openings 32 to maintain the hollow volume between the composite top sheet 20 and absorbent core 16. In In particular, heated spikes can cause the film formed 22 or the most consistent nonwoven layer 42 become more rigid and withstand large-scale openings 32 during the Additional processing, storage or use. This allows the use of a softer nonwoven web 30 without compromising the shape of the large-scale openings 32 or the hollow volume they create between the composite top sheet 20 and absorbent core 16.

In a first preferred embodiment, the spikes 54 are heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the fibers consolidated 40 and the film formed 22 near the openings more small 36, thus ensuring the nonwoven band 30 to the film formed 22. Even at this temperature, the shape of the spikes 54 and the holes 56 is such that the unbound fibers 38 still they exist near the largest openings 34.

In another preferred embodiment, the band does not woven 30 is composed of materials with more than one point of fusion, such as a plurality of fibers having a point of melting near the melting point of the film material formed 22, and smaller than other fibers in the nonwoven web 30. Barbed 54 they are heated to a temperature to melt the lower fibers melting point and the film formed 22 near the openings more small 36, thus forming consolidated fibers 40 and ensuring the non-woven band to the film formed 22.

In yet another embodiment, the band fibers nonwoven 30 have a melting point greater than the melting point of the material of the film formed 22. The spikes 54 are heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the formed film 22 and joining the bonded fibers 40 near the smallest opening 36, thus securing the nonwoven web 30 to the film formed 22.

In another preferred embodiment, the band does not woven 30 is secured to the film formed 22 before forming the large scale openings. Preferably, the assurance would be a adhesive bond In this embodiment, the spikes 54 are heated to a temperature sufficient to form the nonwoven web 30 in the proximity of large-scale openings and form fibers consolidated 40 near the smallest openings 36, although not necessarily sufficient to melt the consolidated fibers 40 to the film formed 22, or the film formed 22 to the band not woven 30.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the film formed in any of the previous examples is replaced with a consolidated nonwoven layer 40 with material characteristics Similar.

Finished Article Essay for Feminine Hygiene

The performance of a preferred embodiment of composite top sheet 20 was evaluated using a thin compress mounted LAURIER. The embodiment tested had a male side 24 oriented towards the side oriented towards the body 12 as shown in Figure 2. Additionally male side 24 was treated with a surfactant, in particular Silastol PST, produced by Schill & Seilacher. The nonwoven band in this example was a band non-woven 16 gsm bi-component polypropylene / polyethylene. Composite top sheet 20 joined in the formation of large-scale openings.

The cover of a finished article was removed and it was replaced with the example of composite top sheet 20 analyzed above. A second article finished with purpose of comparison

The diapers were then tested with an addition point of 15 ml of saline solution, corresponding to 10 hours of use at an average flow of 1.45 ml / hour, according to Nonwoven World, April-May, 2000. Then the speed was measured of absorbency and re-wetting.

The unmodified compress had a speed of absorbency of 16.77 seconds and a re-wetting 2.67 g while the compress using the composite top sheet 20 had a absorbency rate of 10.75 and a re-wetting of 0.14. This represents a 36% improvement in absorbency rate and 95% improvement in rewetting.

Raw Material Test for Female Hygiene

The raw material test of a preferred embodiment of composite top sheet 20 for compare with other materials in the industry. In particular, the embodiment tested had the male side 24 facing the side oriented towards body 12 as shown in Figure 2. Additionally, the male side 24 was treated with a surfactant, in Silastol PST, produced by Schill & Seilacher. The nonwoven band in this example was a 16 gsm nonwoven band, bi-component polypropylene / polyethylene. The composite top sheet 20 joined in the formation of large scale openings. This was tested against the top sheet non-woven open of a 20.5 cm thin LAURIER compress and layer non-woven open and distribution acquisition of a compress LAURIER 22.5 cm.

The composite top sheet 20 of this invention had an absorbency rate of 1.21 seconds and a re-wetting of 0.09 grams while the LAURIER open non-woven layer had an absorbency rate of 1.72 and a re-wetting of 0.21 and the layer no LAURIER open weave with acquisition distribution layer had an absorbency rate of 1.58 seconds and a re-wetting of 0.15 grams. This shows a 23-30% improvement in absorbency rate and an improvement of 40-57% in the rewetting

Testing of a Finished Article for Diaper

The performance of a preferred embodiment of a composite top sheet 20 was evaluated using a diaper to Babies mounted White Cloud. The tested embodiment had a side male 24 facing the side facing the body 12 as shown in Figure 2. Additionally male side 24 was treated with a surfactant, in particular Silastol PST, produced by Schill & Seilacher. The nonwoven band in this example was a 16 gsm non-woven band, bi-component of polypropylene / polyethylene. Composite top sheet 20 joined in the formation of large-scale openings.

The cover was removed from a finished article and it was replaced with the example of composite top sheet 20 analyzed above. A second finished article was tested with purpose of comparison

The diapers were then rehearsed with three punctual additions, each according to the test methods EDANA mentioned above. The absorbency rate and the rewetting were measured afterwards for each punctual addition.

The unmodified diaper had speeds of absorbency of 45.9 s, 267.4 s and 327.7 s for the three additions punctual, while the diaper using the top sheet compound 20 had absorbance speeds of 15.6 s, 39.4 s and 56.3 s, showing an improvement of 66%, 87% and 82% respectively for The three punctual additions. The measurements of re-wetting showed equal performance for the two specific additions and a slight improvement for the Third punctual addition.

Claims (13)

1. An absorbent article with an oriented side towards the body, the absorbent article comprising: a backsheet opposite the oriented side towards the body; an absorbent core between the backsheet and the side facing the body; a composite top sheet between the core absorbent and the side facing the body, comprising additionally said composite top sheet:

(i)

a support layer comprising a three-dimensional formed film elastic between the absorbent core and the side facing the body, said film having a male side, a side having female and small-scale openings that have a count of mesh, and a first nonwoven web of fibers between the film formed and the body-oriented side of the absorbent article; said first nonwoven web having a plurality of openings conical three-dimensional inside that extend to through the film formed, said openings having a mesh count that is less than the mesh count of the small-scale openings in the film formed; or

(ii)

a support layer comprising a second nonwoven web of fibers between the absorbent core and the side facing the body and the first nonwoven web of fibers between the second nonwoven web and the side facing the body; comprising the first band non-woven fibers that have a lower average radius than the fibers of said second nonwoven web, said first web having no woven a plurality of conical shaped openings three-dimensional inside that extend through the Second nonwoven band.

2. The absorbent article of the claim 1, in which the support layer is an open formed film three-dimensional elastic and the male side of the film formed is oriented towards the first nonwoven band. 3. The absorbent article of the claim 1, in which the support layer is an open formed film three-dimensional elastic and the female side of the film formed is oriented towards the first nonwoven band. 4. The absorbent article of the claim 1, wherein said three-dimensional conical shaped openings in the first nonwoven band are tapered from one more opening large to a smaller opening, the largest opening being between the smallest opening and the side facing the body. 5. The absorbent article of the claim 4, in which the first nonwoven web has fibers generally unbound near the largest opening and fibers generally consolidated near the smallest opening. 6. The absorbent article of the claim 4, in which the fibers of said first nonwoven web are joined said smaller opening by molten parts of said layer of support. 7. The absorbent article of claim 1 in which the support layer is an open formed film three-dimensional elastic and mesh count of openings to Small scale is between 20 / cm2 and 200 / cm2. 8. The absorbent article of claim 1 in which the support layer is an open formed film three-dimensional elastic and mesh count of openings to Small scale is between 50 / cm2 and 100 / cm2. 9. The absorbent article of claim 1 in which mesh count of conical shaped openings is between 3 / cm2 and 30 / cm2. 10. The absorbent article of the claim 1 in which mesh count of conical shaped openings It is between 6 / cm2 and 11 / cm2. 11. A method of preparing a material composite top sheet comprising the stages of: form an open formed film three-dimensional elastic that has a male side and a female side, said formed film is formed is formed by openings to small scale that have a mesh count; form a first nonwoven band of fibers; join the first nonwoven band with the film formed open; Y open the first united nonwoven band and the film formed to create such large-scale openings in the first bonded nonwoven web and film formed, a plurality of said large-scale openings created at a mesh count that is smaller than the mesh count of the openings to small scale. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the formation of the three-dimensional open elastic formed film It is done by vacuum formation of the film. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the union of the first nonwoven band to the film formed comprises joining the first nonwoven web to the formed film using an adhesive and melting the fibers of the first band not woven to the film formed.